Balmoral Castle closes doors to public amid uncertainty
The royal family has stunned fans with an unexpected announcement about King Charles’s Scottish residence.
In a statement shared on Balmoral Castle’s official Instagram page this week, it was revealed that the estate, including its gardens, exhibitions, and grounds, is now closed to visitors until the end of the month. While no reason has been given for the sudden closure, the castle is expected to reopen in October.
The news comes just a day before Prince William travelled to Balmoral to spend private time with his father, King Charles, as he continues treatment for cancer.
Although tours and access to the estate are suspended, the gift shop and terrace café by the main gates remain open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can also still enjoy the walk to Prince Albert’s Pyramid, a memorial built by Queen Victoria in 1862.
The announcement surprised many, as it was only two years ago that Charles decided to open Balmoral to the public on a larger scale, with tours quickly selling out.
While the palace has not explained the closure, speculation suggests the King may be using the time to carry out upgrades. Charles has long championed sustainability, previously modernising Sandringham and Windsor with solar panels. He has also converted his state Bentleys to biofuel, is transitioning the royal fleet to electric vehicles, and is even experimenting with sustainable fuel for helicopters.
Whether Balmoral’s closure is linked to these eco-friendly efforts remains unclear, but for now, royal watchers will have to wait until October to step inside the beloved Scottish retreat once again.
